Can I Extend My Tourist Exemption in Thailand During COVID-19?

Apr 9, 2020
5 years ago
Greg **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
My tourist exemption (on arrival) expires on April 21. I'd surely prefer to get the 30 days (with embassy letter) and extend until May 21 since obviously the world will still be in a show come April 30th.

So my question is, will they even let tourist exemption people into immigration to do something like this or have they completely 'shut the immigration door' to us?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user is inquiring about the possibility of extending their tourist exemption in Thailand due to the impact of COVID-19. The discussion reveals mixed experiences among users regarding the accessibility and acceptance of extension requests at immigration offices, particularly under the current circumstances. It appears that there may still be some options for extensions, but experiences can vary significantly depending on the office and individual circumstances.
Lonnie ********
It seems everywhere is different. Today in Chiangmai I got a 30 day under consideration to 7 may.
James ********
What immigration office will you be going to this time?
Greg **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
You suggest just going there to ask?
Greg **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah, I'm in Rangsit which is in the Pathum Thani province.
Greg **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yeah good point. I pay monthly rent and scooter rental on the 14th here, so it would be nice to know if I'd only be getting half that time.

I didn't realize it was easy contacting an immigration office. Do you recommend phone or email?
Greg **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Pathum Thani
Greg **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
I know that this group is not a place for speculation though!
Katrin *******
We got the 30 days “unable to travel” stamp today starting from the last day of our extension, so it is NOT from the day you apply
Sophie **********
@Katrin ******
I got 28 days starting from the last day of my extension 🤷
Tod *********
wow that's a switch some people were having it start from the date they applied and lost all the days on their other stamp if they applied early for the covid extension
John **********
I also believe the 30 days runs from when you apply, it's not a normal 30 day extension that gets added on to your existing one.
Olivier *********
Is it your first extension on your exemption? If yes, you don't need the Embassy letter.
Olivier *********
Thanks for this clarification. Good luck.
Greg **********
ORIGINAL POSTER
No it's not. I already got the first 30 day extra extension.
Tod *********
I imagine you COULD go to the immigration office and TRY to get the 30 day unable to travel due to covid-19 extension BUT I would also imagine they'd send you away.

I know someone who got their normal 30 day extension without any issues BUT most people who had embassy letters were being turned away and told they had 'auto-extensions' until the 30th :(

All you can do is try and I'd go close to that expiration date because that stamp starts the day you apply for it
Ivan ***************
@Tod ********
does the visa exemption also applies to people who haven’t extended for the first time the tourist visa ?
Tod *********
well I need to re-vamp that message, some people down on the islands were able to pay and get a 30 day covid extension rather than stay home and get the free auto-extension until the 30th
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